Anitra Holloman’s mother talks exclusively with WBRC as police announce mass shooting arrest

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - As Birmingham Police shared news of the mass shooting arrest, the mother of Anitra Holloman talked exclusively with WBRC to provide her raw, unfiltered reaction as she watched the press conference.

“How? And they say it was multiple shooters,” said Candace Kemp, as she watched the TV in her living room.

The mother questioned why only one alleged gunman was behind bars.

Birmingham Police said more than three weeks ago they believed multiple gunmen played a role in taking Holloman’s life, plus three others.

“I was just surprised that they said they only had one person,” Kemp said.

However, she is holding onto hope, optimistic justice is playing out before her very eyes.

She told WBRC her prayers were already being answered.

“I’m hoping. I’m praying,” Kemp shared. “I got down on my knees and prayed the other night, and then the very next day the detective called me. So, I guess I’ll be going back on my knees again tonight.”

Dozens of families are currently trying to process what happened that night in Five Points South, though others will hear about it in the coming years.

Kemp’s granddaughter, Skiler, is now being raised as one of her own.

“Looking at her, she looks just like her mom,” Kemp said. “She acts like her mom so it’s going to be a process, looking at her kind of makes me emotional.”

The mother added she will keep Holloman’s memory alive for Skiler, especially as the holidays approach.

“Cause her mom was the one who put all the holidays together for the family,” she said. “We got to make sure that when the holidays come up each year she know her mom is there. In sprit, I know Anitra’s going to be there.”

After hearing the news, Kemp told WBRC this is the first day since her daughter’s death she did not wake up and cry. She said she is thankful Birmingham Police is making progress.

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